Opava, located on the Opava River in Czech Silesia, is a city steeped in history, having served as the capital of Austrian Silesia for centuries. Its urban fabric is graced with grand Baroque palaces and Neo-Renaissance buildings that testify to its former role as a major political and cultural center of the Habsburg Empire. The Gothic Co-cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a striking red-brick structure, remains the city's primary landmark. Opava is home to the Silesian Museum, established in 1814, making it the oldest public museum in the Czech Republic. In 1820, the city hosted the Congress of Troppau, where European monarchs gathered to coordinate responses to revolutionary activities across the continent. Despite significant damage during the final months of World War II, the historic core was meticulously restored. Currently, Opava is a bustling university city and an industrial hub, particularly known for food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing (Teva Czech Industries).
Location: Czech Republic
Top sights: Slezské zemské muzeum Opava · Slezské divadlo Opava · Loutkové divadlo
Nearby: Hlučín (21 km)
Population: ~60.252
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Avg °C
-3
-1
3
9
14
18
20
20
14
9
4
-1
Rain mm
41
38
42
46
84
88
87
73
72
53
41
39
Geography
Population
60,252
Coordinates
49.93870, 17.90260
Facts
The first written record of Opava dates back to 1195.
The Silesian Museum was founded on May 1, 1814.
The Co-cathedral of the Assumption was built in the 14th century in Silesian Gothic style.
The Congress of Troppau (1820) included representatives from Russia, Austria, and Prussia.
Opava was the capital of Austrian Silesia until 1918.
The city is known for producing the popular 'Fidorka' chocolate wafers.
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:072.3 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Opava at the Upper Square. After climbing the Town Hall Tower for a bird's-eye view, immerse yourself in the Gothic splendor of the Co-Cathedral. At noon, stroll to the magnificent theatre and enjoy a local lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the rich history in the Silesian Regional Museum, the oldest museum in the country. End your day with a moment of reflection at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, enjoying the quiet atmosphere.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Admire the mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles of the surrounding buildings.
A rainy day in Opava starts at the Upper Square, where the Town Hall's arcades provide early shelter. At noon, the massive Co-Cathedral offers a dry sanctuary. The afternoon is best spent inside the Silesian Regional Museum, the country's oldest museum. We conclude the day in a cozy city center restaurant, enjoying the local hospitality despite the damp weather outside.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Use the arcades of the Hláska Town Hall to stay dry while viewing the square.
A winter morning in Opava often sees frost covering the Upper Square. The Hláska tower provides a crisp view over snowy rooftops on clear days. At noon, the Co-Cathedral offers a peaceful escape from the cold. We spend the afternoon in the heated halls of the museum, and as darkness falls early, we enjoy the festive city lights with a warm drink.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Watch out for icy patches on the cobblestone pavement.
Get on your bike and start from the Upper Square. Your first leg takes you to the imposing Co-Cathedral. Continue to the Silesian Regional Museum, the oldest museum in the Czech Republic, surrounded by parks. Enjoy lunch on the banks of the Opava River before taking a relaxing ride through the expansive City Park. End your tour by admiring the Art Nouveau Municipal House, an architectural gem of the city.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Start your tour here and rent a bike nearby if needed.
Cycling through Opava in the rain requires caution on the city center's wet cobblestones. After visiting the Co-Cathedral, we seek refuge in the museum. Lunch by the river offers a calming view despite the grey skies. We spend the afternoon under the park's trees before finishing at the Municipal House to dry off.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Caution: wet cobblestones are extremely slippery for bicycle tires.
Cycling in winter Opava requires warm gloves against the cold headwind. After starting at the Upper Square, the Co-Cathedral provides the first warming break. We cycle carefully to the museum and then to the river, where the winter scenery is peaceful. The city park looks magical in the frost before we finally warm up at the Municipal House.
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09:10 · 47'
Upper Square (Horní náměstí)
Watch out for freezing moisture in the early morning hours.
Park your car near the Silesian Regional Museum and start the day with culture (Cluster 1). From there, stroll to the Co-Cathedral and the bustling Upper Square, where you can climb the Town Hall Tower. After a leisurely lunch in the city center, return to your car. In the afternoon, drive to the fairytale-like Hradec nad Moravicí Castle (Cluster 2). Explore the opulent interiors and end the day with a relaxing walk through the extensive castle park.
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09:10 · 47'
Park and Start at the Silesian Regional Museum
Park here and start with the oldest museum in the Czech Republic.
A rainy day in Opava is comfortable by car. We start at the Silesian Museum and drive to the Co-Cathedral, utilizing nearby parking. After lunch in the center, a short drive takes us to Hradec nad Moravicí Castle. We enjoy the castle's interiors while the rain refreshes the expansive parklands outside.
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09:10 · 47'
Park and Start at the Silesian Regional Museum
Use the nearby parking garage to enter the museum without getting wet.
In winter, the car provides the best shield against Opava's chill. We start at the heated Silesian Museum and drive to the Co-Cathedral. The Upper Square is festively lit. After lunch, the drive through the snowy landscape leads to Hradec castle. The park is peaceful in its winter slumber before we head back in the warm car.
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09:10 · 47'
Park and Start at the Silesian Regional Museum
Watch out for snow piles at the roadside when parking your car.